Kent Extended Schools

Most Kent Schools are already "community" schools. Every teacher, headteacher and governor knows that their school does not exist in a vacuum. The circumstances and needs of the community in which the school operates does not stop affecting children at the school gate.

The vision set out in KCC's Community Schools Development Strategy 2004-07 is for all Kent Schools to be fully inclusive organisations facilitating the delivery of services and working in partnership with others in the community to meet local needs.

In June 2005, the government published its prospectus for extended schools: Access to opportunities and services for all. This described how schools will contribute to the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme and set out the core offer of extended services which schools are expected to provide.

• Wraparound childcare provided on the school site or through other local providers from 8am-6pm all year round
• A varied menu of activities on offer e.g. study support, music, arts and crafts, sport etc.
• Parenting support including family learning
• Swift and easy referral to a wide range of specialist support services
• Providing wider community access to ICT, sports and arts facilities, including adult learning

It is expected that all schools will offer these services by 2010, with at least half of all primary schools offering wraparound childcare and a third of secondary schools open from 8am-6pm all year round providing access to a range of activities by 2008.

A revised prospectus was published in July 2007 - Extended Schools - Building on Experience http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/extended%20services%20prospectus%2012.07.07.pdf 

This document gives examples and case studies of current practice and emphasises the need for partnership working.

If you have any enquiries about Extended Schools, please contact your appropriate Extended Schools Development Managers

If you have any queries or comments about the site please contact Lindsey Torode on 01622 694991.